Overview

The Project Assistant will be based in South Wales and help deliver Project SIARC (Sharks Inspiring Action and Research with Communities) activities in the region. Project SIARC is a collaborative project, led by ZSL and NRW, with the support of Nature Networks Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund and On the EDGE Conservation. Twelve additional organisations sit on the Project SIARC Steering Group, who provide advice or deliver specific elements of the work.

The Project Assistant role has four focal areas:

  1. To lead on fisher engagement in South Wales to share information on Project SIARC and gather elasmobranch records.
  2. Support Project SIARC community engagement in South Wales, including running virtual “Meet the Scientist” sessions with primary schools and liaising with citizen scientist volunteers.
  3. Regularly take and filter water samples from the coast of Carmathen Bay and Estuaries SAC (Special Area of Conservation), with support of the Project SIARC Coordinator and eDNA Research Assistant.
  4. Provide administrative support to help deliver Project SIARC

 The post holder will provide support to citizen scientists and volunteers and regularly work with members of the community.

Main duties and key responsibilities

  • The post holder will be responsible for engaging with the fishing communities in South Wales, reaching out to recreational, commercial and charter boat fishers, in collaboration with the Project SIARC Coordinator.
  • The post holder supports Project SIARC community engagement in South Wales, in particular running virtual “Meet the Scientist” sessions with primary schools.
  • The post holder supports research elements of Project SIARC, including completion of regular environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys by taking and filtering water samples from Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries Special Area of Conservation.
  • The post holder will be the point of contact for citizen science volunteers interested in or engaged in the project in South Wales
  • The post holder supports organisation of project meetings and workshops, prepares materials and takes and produces minutes.
  • The post holder supports Senior Project Manager NRW Project Manager and Project Coordinator in the compilation of technical and donor reports.
  • In accordance with ZSL procedures for approval of travel and insurance cover, the post holder will support with making travel and logistical arrangements for staff, collaborators and volunteers engaged on the project and purchase of equipment and materials
  • The post holder supports the Project Coordinator,Senior Project Manager and NRW Project Manager in tracking project activities to ensure that deliverables are achieved according to the grant contract, work-plan and budget.
  • Work with project manager(s) the post holder ensures that monthly reports are prepared and submitted, and that project information on the ZSL Projects Database and Project SIARC Monitoring and Evaluation Plan is kept up to date.

Building relationships

  • Professional communication is expected at all times. The post holder is expected to maintain effective stakeholder relationships, especially with fishers, schools, citizen scientists and organisations within the Project SIARC Steering Group
  • Post holder will be capable of grasping reasonably complex matters and communicating them effectively and in a timely manner.
Mental Demands
  • An ability to concentrate and attention to detail are very important.
  • Flexibility is important; the post holder needs to be able to respond to changing priorities as required.

Expectations of job holder

  • To ensure that the policy for equality of opportunity is adhered to and promoted in all aspects of the post holder’s work.
  • To ensure effective quality control and continuous improvement in all aspects of the work and responsibilities attached to this post.
  • Demonstrate professionalism towards sensitive and confidential information.
  • To comply with and promote Health and Safety policies and procedures and to undertake recommended Health and Safety training as and when necessary.
  • To be committed to professional self-development, through participation in in-service training as necessary for the successful carrying out of the job.
  • To comply with the policies, procedures and processes of both ZSL and NRW that relate to your role.
  • To undertake such other duties as are commensurate with the grade of the post.

Qualifications & Experience

  • BSc, BA or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject or experience working in marine conservation.
  • A full UK driving licence.
  • Experience in organising and delivering communication and engagement activities (i.e. events, talks, cross-sectoral meetings).
  • Experience in working in education or school groups.
  • Proven experience in writing in a range of styles for varied audiences is desirable.
  • Prior experience in coordinating conservation or development projects is desirable, particularly experience in evaluation techniques and community engagement.

Knowledge

  • A good grasp of relevant conservation issues in Wales and the Welsh marine environment.
  • An understanding of project management processes is desirable.

Skills & Abilities

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, especially the ability to communicate complex ideas and to adapt language to varied audiences.
  • Excellent organisational skills with good attention to detail is vital.
  • Basic knowledge of Welsh (ability to communicate in Welsh language is desirable).
  • Strong time management skills, including the ability to respond quickly to demands, effectively prioritise and meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proven ability to work effectively with teams.
  • Well-developed skills in using MS office packages, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher.

We would like the successful candidate to start as soon as possible, preferably on or before the 4th January 2023.